Optical Transmitter Edge-Positioned Modulators for High-Speed Signal Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical transmitters face challenges in generating multiple high-speed light signals while maintaining a compact design, as increased numbers of modulators lead to longer drive path lengths, which slow down modulation speed and increase device size.
Innovation Solution
The optical system incorporates modulators with drive path lengths less than 0.5 mm, positioned along the edge of the transmitter, and uses off-board modulator driver electronics to efficiently modulate light signals at high speeds, allowing for a compact and efficient design even with multiple modulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of light signals produced by a single transmitter is increased, then the distance between different features of the transmitter can be increased, but this slows down the possible modulation speed of the light signals and increases the size of the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions modulators along the edge of the transmitter in a linear arrangement, utilizing the perimeter dimension rather than distributing them across the entire surface. This edge-positioning strategy reduces the maximum drive path length from the center of the device to the modulators, thereby maintaining high modulation speeds even when multiple modulators are present. The drive path length is kept less than 0.5 mm by this dimensional repositioning approach.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of light signals produced by a single transmitter is increased, then the distance between different features of the transmitter can be increased, but this increases the size of the device
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging modulators along the edge of the transmitter rather than distributing them across the full device area, the patent reduces the spatial footprint required. This edge-positioning approach allows multiple modulators to be accommodated within the perimeter boundary, minimizing the overall device area while supporting multiple light signal channels.
3Speed
If modulators are positioned to achieve short drive path lengths, then high modulation speeds can be maintained, but the number of modulators that can be accommodated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transmitter design by positioning multiple modulators along the edge in discrete units, each with its own drive path less than 0.5 mm. This segmentation allows each modulator to operate independently at high speed while the overall system can accommodate multiple such modulators along the perimeter, effectively multiplying the number of high-speed channels without compromising individual modulation performance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the generation of multiple high-speed light signals with reduced drive path lengths, maintaining high modulation speeds and compactness, even with a large number of modulators, thus addressing the challenge of increasing device size and modulation speed.
Implementation Method 1
The drive electronics apply electrical energy to each of the modulators such that an electrical field is generated within the modulator waveguide. Each electrical field is generated so as to modulate one of the transition light signals into a modulated signal.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes modulators positioned on a base. Each modulator includes a modulator waveguide that receives a light signal and guides the received light signal through the modulator. The system also includes drive electronics in electrical communication with the modulators. The drive electronics apply electrical energy to each of the modulators such that an electrical field is generated within the modulator waveguide so as to modulate one of the light signals into a modulated signal. The system includes multiple drive paths that each has a length from a contact pad on the drive electronics to a location where the electrical field is formed in one of the modulator waveguides. The modulators are configured such that the drive path length for each of the modulators is less than 0.5 mm.